Although it differs from the typical smart display, it exemplifies how these gadgets are employed in public spaces. As my family and I tested the Echo Show 10 for this review, I was relieved—and partially surprised—to discover that neither of us found the motion tracking creepy. Instead, we soon adapted to it and began playing music, looking up recipes, podcasts, and other things. It’s one of the greatest Alexa speakers available if you have the space and the money. Once you’ve placed the Echo Show 10 down, made sure it has enough space, and performed the calibration, you probably won’t want to move it very often because it weights more than 2.5 kg. When we attempt to move it, the Show 10 alerts us that the screen is about to touch objects and asks for a recalibration. It is intended to stay and follow you from a specific location. The main body of the Show 10 is buttonless and covered in fabric manufactured entirely from recyclable materials. A basic camera cover slider that not only conceals the camera but also disables movement is located at the top of the screen next to volume controls, three small microphones (one facing forward and two on either side of the mute button), and a mic on/off button. You can buy this smart display from its official website. Additionally, it includes digital pan and zoom, similar to the cameras on the Facebook Portal and Google Nest Hub Max, which is very useful when moving about. However, those cameras have a smaller field of view than the Echo Show because they are physically immobile. (The Portal has a 114-degree FOV, while the Nest Hub Max has a 127-degree FOV.) Alexa can play audio and video from a few sources upon request for entertainment. Although YouTube isn’t accessible via voice commands, Alexa can call up the Firefox browser and then use it to get to YouTube on the Echo Show 10 device. Alexa can also bring up videos from streaming services on the Echo Show 10’s screen. Alternatively, you may ask Alexa to play audiobooks through Audible or stream music from services like Pandora, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, and TuneIn. You may pair your phone or another device with the Echo Show 10 and use it as a Bluetooth speaker if the selection of audio services seems meagre. The Echo Show lacks a 3.5mm line in/out for a wired audio connection, unlike dedicated Echo speakers. Alexa is able to manage the majority of popular smart home brands, including Arlo, Kwikset, iRobot, Ring, and TP-Link. You may converse through the Echo Show 10 while bringing up the video stream for video-based devices like home security cameras and video doorbells.
Price and availability
The spinning display of the Echo Show 10 offers more options for using smart displays than the digital pan and zoom features of the Nest Hub Max and Facebook Portal. If your home has one of those airy, open floorplans you only see on HGTV, you’ll benefit from it the most.
